'Ginga jibes are a form of racism'

Redheaded Royals striker Dave Kitson has been tearing his hair out over abuse from opposing fans slating his ginger locks, saying it's as bad as racism.

After receiving a barrage of abuse from Stoke City fans about his red hair last week, the sensitive footballer opened his heart in an interview with Meridian Today last week.

Kitson, who dyed his hair blonde to disguise his carrot top earlier this season, moaned the ginger taunts were the same as a black player suffering racist abuse.

He said: "I am in a unique position with this colour hair and I have to shake a lot off. If a black player goes out on the pitch and is called something it is racism but if I am called something, I don't see why it isn't the same?

"When the whole ground is shouting something derogatory, then is that okay?

"It seems to be a bit two faced and up in Stoke it was pretty horrendous."

It is not the first time Kitson has had his hair ruffled over the issue.

The footballer was upset after Reading fans donned red wigs during Ginger Day in May 2004, as a tribute to him and fellow flame-haired player Steve Sidwell.

But the striker's outburst sparked a stinging response from the chairman of a ginger hair support group.

Simon Cheetham, who chairs Red and Proud, said: "I have no sympathy for Dave Kitson. I think he should get a grip on himself and stop whingeing. I have to say he comes across as slightly pathetic, a ginger whinger.

"Come on, everyone with red hair gets some stick. Okay, so I have never had 20,000 people shout at me, but we just get on with it.

"He should be proud of having a red head and moaning about abuse is not doing us redheads any favours."

But Kitson, who has bagged seven goals this season, has won sympathy from fans and Reading's Council for Racial Equality (RCRE).

RCRE director Rajinder Sophal said that while he sympathises with Kitson he doesn't think it can be compared to racism.

He said: "It feels terrible to be picked on for any reason and he should not have to put up with such abuse. But it is a social problem in this country. For some reason people like to pick on other people for their physical appearance."

Paula Martin, from Supporters Trust At Reading (STAR), added: "We all have things we are sensitive about and Dave is obviously very sensitive about his hair colour.

"It is not for anyone else to say he should not be sensitive about it, and I think it took a lot of courage to come out and say the abuse upsets him."

Kitson admitted he was thin-skinned when it came to abuse from fans but was prepared to take a stand until it stopped.

He said: "Maybe I am a bit sensitive but I can't change who I am.

"I would rather change everyone else before I change myself."

Anti-redhead taunts from Leeds fans were scarce at Reading's game on Saturday.